New stadium, new era at Saint Stephen's

BRADENTON -- Carlos Boothby couldn't help but smile this week as he reviewed his standard to-do list for Saint Stephen's home football games. There was one item, in particular, that the school's athletic director happily identified as a task he would no longer need to perform — arrange transportation for players and coaches.

Saint Stephens' football players and staff gather around Falcons' Head Coach Tod Creneti after a practice in their new stadium, the Moore Athletic Complex at Turner Fields. Tonight, Saint Stephens open the school's new facilities when they host rival Out-of-Door Academy in the multi-purpose stadium. The game marks the first time in nearly six years that Saint Stephens has played at home. (Photo by Michael Kolligian)

Boothby deleted the reminder. A new era has begun.

Five-mile bus rides to Palma Sola Park for home games are a thing of the past for Saint Stephen's. The school's long-held dreams of an on-campus, mixed-use sports development have come to fruition in the form of the $5 million Moore Athletic Complex at Turner Fields.

The Falcons officially open the school's new facilities on Friday night, when they host rival Out-of-Door Academy in the state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium that serves as the complex's centerpiece.

The game — which is also Senior Night — will mark the first time in nearly six years that Saint Stephen's has played a home football game on campus, and the first time in the school's history that it has done so at night.

"This is not only going to be the biggest game in Saint Stephen's history, but also the biggest event in its history," said senior running back Tiag Bhamber, who is also president of the Student Council.

"It's going to bring the school together ... it's something the entire community can be spirited about."

The stadium, which will also serve as home to the school's soccer, lacrosse and track teams, features seating for more than 800 spectators, a press box with wireless internet capability, Manatee County's only rubberized track, a high-tech scoreboard and perhaps most importantly, four custom-designed light towers.

Finally being able to play — and watch — night football games on campus is creating a considerable buzz throughout the Saint Stephen's community, much to the delight of head football coach Tod Creneti.

"Friday nights are a big deal in Florida, and we can now deliver that great Friday-night environment where kids want to come, cheer and be a part of it," said Creneti, now in his third season as coach.

"Whether you're a player or a fan, it's just as invigorating either way."

The stadium's synthetic, hybrid playing surface is drawing rave reviews from players such as junior tailback Luc Goeders, who recently set a Saint Stephen's rushing record, 363 yards against Canterbury High.

"You can really fly around out there," said Goeders. "It's like being on roller skates."

Added kicker Bradley Beazant: "Knowing that you're going to have perfect footing as you approach the ball is huge."

"We did a lot of research on synthetic surfaces," said Boothby. "The hybrid field really is the best option for a mixed-use facility. In all of our sports, we'll get a natural roll of the ball, and a true bounce."

The complex, which will also feature new baseball and softball fields complete with dugouts, batting cages and scoreboards, would still be in the planning stages were it not for a very substantial offer of financial assistance that arrived last year in the form of a challenge.

Stuart and Elizabeth Moore, who have had four children enrolled at the school, shared in Saint Stephen's desire to have first-class athletic facilities. In June of 2012, they announced that if the school could raise $2 million, they would match it with $2 million of their own.

But it had to be done by Nov. 30.

"We likely wouldn't have even considered a fundraising effort at that time were it not for the Moores," said Dr. Jan Pullen, Saint Stephen's Head of School. "Our families were thrilled, and they didn't want to lose out on such a wonderful opportunity."

Prior games were played five miles from campus at Palma Sola Park. On Sept. 1, Citrus Park Christian (Tampa) plays Saint Stephen's during a day game.(STAFF PHOTO / DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI)

Fundraising progressed gradually throughout the summer, but picked up in the fall after the school year commenced. The challenge was on.

"Phone calls, mailings, gatherings ... we did it all," said Dr. Pullen. "The fact that we were facing a deadline was what really made it work. That was the genius behind the Moores offer."

The $2 million was raised, and the Moores responded in kind. Donations continued to flow, and an additional $1 million was secured. A new field house will soon be constructed as a result.

"We couldn't be happier with the new facilities," said Dr. Pullen. "It really is a new day at Saint Stephen's."

Friday's game is scheduled for 7 p.m., and a capacity crowd is expected. The countdown to kickoff is underway.

"I can't wait," said fullback Jeremy Jackman after a recent practice.

"Grand opening, Senior Night, excitement in the hallways ... how can you possibly ask for more?"

"You can't," beamed tackle Henry Bernet. "This is absolutely as good as it gets."

Last modified: October 24, 2013
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